-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ukraine and Dynamo Kiev striker Andriy Shevchenko is hanging up his football boots to begin a career in politics .

Ahead of the October parliamentary election , the 35-year-old Shevchenko , who scored 48 goals in 111 caps for his country , is to join `` Ukraine -- Forward ! '' , a pro-business party , which was formed by politicians who were expelled by the main opposition coalition that used to be led by former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko .

`` It is certain , Dynamo Kiev is now my former club . This club , which I love with all my heart and I will always support , '' the former AC Milan and Chelsea forward told the Dynamo website .

`` I want to fulfill myself in politics and share the experience I gained in Europe , to do something for my country , '' said Shevchenko , while visiting a children 's summer school with Ukraine -- Forward ! leader Nataliya Korolevska .

`` I decided to join the team of Nataliya Korolevska because Ukraine -- Forward ! is a party of the future , it is a party of young leaders .

`` In politics , I plan to support the social sector and sport . After all , my main slogan is a healthy mind in a healthy body . ''

Shevchenko , who began and started his career with Dynamo Kiev , made his final appearance for the national team at Euro 2012 , which Ukraine co-hosted with neighbours Poland .

He is not the first Ukrainian sportsman to enter national politics .

Heavyweight boxer Vitali Klitschko has his own political party -- the `` Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform '' -- and is expected to be a serious contender in October 's elections .

@highlight

Former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko retires from football

@highlight

The forward has joined the political party `` Ukraine - Forward ! ''

@highlight

Shevchenko hopes to `` share the experience I gained in Europe ''

@highlight

World boxing champion Vitali Klitschko has already founded a political party